Local News

Matthew and Amanda Dotson, the parents accused in the starvation death of their toddler son, face more legal trouble.

Originally they were charged with one count of first-degree murder.

However, the Roane County grand jury returned a superseding indictment against them last month. The Dotsons now face three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse in the case.

Roll-call votes go by alphabetical order, so Roane County Commissioner David Bell got to voice his position first Monday night on the resolution setting the budget appropriations for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

He voted “yes,” and seven other commissioners did likewise, which allowed the resolution to pass by an 8-7 vote.

The packed commission room let out a round of applause after the votes were tallied.

Area real estate agents got a sneak peek at waterfront homes and properties along the Emory River that will be offered for sale as part of a TVA auction on July 25.

“They recognize this is an opportunity for them to help some of the people they are working with to hopefully find a home,” said J. Scott King, executive vice president of sales for J.P King Auction Company Inc., which will conduct the auction

The 22 homes and 39 home sites range from large homes with open living spaces and scenic outdoor space to empty grassy lots ideal for future homes.